Young Vietnamese rediscover charm of vintage film cameras

While smartphones and digital cameras can capture an image with a single tap, some choose to embrace film cameras -- a technology that seemed long consigned to memory.

For them, it is not only a distinctive way to keep a moment but also a journey to rediscover authentic feelings and savor everyday life.

“Shooting with film doesn’t just feel different from using a digital camera, it also connects me to the craft my father and earlier generations practiced for nearly 60 years," said Le Quoc Cong from Tan Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

"I still use my father’s Nikon N2020. Full of memories!”

Interesting but demanding work

On a sunny afternoon beneath the shade of Hopea odorata trees by Con Rua (Turtle) Lake in Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Phuonng and Thien An laughed as they posed for keepsake shots.

Phuong fixed An’s hair, helped her find the perfect angle, then carefully adjusted every setting on her Minolta SRT 101 to produce an 'ultra-sharp' frame.

A photography enthusiast, Phuong had long been familiar with modern digital cameras.

Her path to this more demanding medium began over six months ago when a teacher gifted her a film camera. 

She was captivated by the craftsmanship and technical knowledge required.

“Every step is done manually, there’s none of the built-in assistance you get with digital cameras. Film photography isn’t for the impatient,” she said.

For months, she learned through trial and error -- how to load film, adjust aperture and shutter speed, select ISO, control exposure, and focus precisely.

“It’s hard to describe! You can’t just click away," Phuong said.

"You have to shoot with knowledge and intention, and the satisfaction of capturing a truly beautiful shot feels completely different.”

Still, both Phuong and An have had their share of disappointments with overexposed film, underexposed shots, and blurred images.

“One roll gives you 36 frames and costs about VND200,000 [US$8]," An said.

"The development fee adds another VND70,000-80,000 [$2.75-3.15]. depending on the lab. 

"Every mistake comes with a price."

Preserving memories in color

For Phuong, one assignment stands out: photographing veterans during the full rehearsal for the recent April 30 military parade in Ho Chi Minh City.

“I never expected those images to go viral on social media. People shared them everywhere. I was both surprised and happy,” she recalled.

She sent the photos to the veterans. 

"They were deeply moved and kept thanking me," she said.

"That was an unforgettable moment, film doesn’t just record images, it preserves pride, memories, and emotions.”

An’s most cherished memory is her very first roll, taken on her class’s internship presentation day -- the last day of her student life. 

The shots were imperfect, some rushed, poorly exposed, or out of focus, but they carried the unmistakable imprint of her youth.

“Film is expensive, but it’s worth it," she said.

"It captures moments of friendship and youth, times you can never get back.”

Two months ago, 22-year-old Thanh Nhan from Thu Duc Ward, Ho Chi Minh City also caught the film bug.

She often visits the lab to pick up her developed rolls.

Her Olympus point-and-shoot became, as she calls it, “the perfect travel companion” for her vacation to Vinh Hy with her boyfriend.

Vinh Hy is a beautiful coastal bay in former Ninh Thuan Province, south-central Vietnam. Ninh Thuan is now part of Khanh Hoa Province following a merger on July 1.

It is recognized as one of the four most stunning bays in Vietnam, alongside Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Lang Co.

“I wanted to remember the trip with something unique. Film was worth it, the colors are beautiful, and the memories feel richer,” she said.

Nhan chose an automatic model suitable for beginners, requiring no technical knowledge of shutter speed or aperture, just load the film and shoot.

“It’s exciting because you can’t see the result right away," Nhan said.

"It keeps the emotions alive, and the film colors are stunning.”

She now plans to buy a mechanical camera and learn more about manual settings for her future trips.

After a shoot, Phuong and An often ride to the lab together, eager to see their results.

When the negatives are finally placed in front of her, Phuong cannot hide her excitement, quickly pulling each print into the light like a seasoned film aficionado.

“The magic of film is in the colors. No digital simulation can truly replicate them,” Phuong said.

An agreed: “At first, I thought film photography was just art and a bit of a luxury. 

"But the more I shoot, the more I realize it’s a meticulous learning process -- operating the camera, observing, waiting, and cherishing each passing moment.”